How Brain Trauma Can Harm Physical, Mental, and Behavioral Health
Thrive • September 16, 2022
By Thrive Wellness Waco Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Marguerite “Peggy” Addison, APRN, PMHNP-BC
From heading a soccer ball too forcefully to experiencing a motor vehicle accident, occurrences that can induce head trauma can range from seemingly harmless to violent and dangerous. Even if a head injury seems mild, brain damage can still occur. If repetitive or severe, brain injuries can lead to serious mental, behavioral, and physical health consequences.
DEFINING TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES (TBIs) AND CHRONIC TRAUMATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY (CTE)
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) describes damage to the brain from an impact or object. TBIs can be caused by:
- Accidentally hitting one’s head, such as on a cabinet, window, or door frame
- Assaults and domestic violence
- Blows to the head
- Falls
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Shaking
- Sports injuries
About 1.7 million people in the United States suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) every year, and 64,000 Americans die from a TBI annually. Many individuals recover from TBIs, but many also suffer prolonged physical, mental, and behavioral health repercussions that can be debilitating.
Of those who have suffered repeated mild TBIs, at least 17% result in chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is a degenerative brain disease that often appears years after experiencing repetitive head trauma.
When the brain sustains trauma the following medical complications can occur:
- Axonal shearing: Torn or stretched nerve axons, which are fibers that extend from neurons in the brain and help with sensory perception and movement.
- Bruising: Bleeding and swelling in the brain near the injury.
- Focal damage: A localized injury to the brain that can lead to inflammation which can cut off oxygen to neurons and cause them to die.
- Hematomas: Clotted blood that can form in the brain due to broken blood vessels.
THE IMPACT OF BRAIN TRAUMA ON PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Brain injuries ranging from mild to severe can cause acute and long-term physical, mental, and behavioral health concerns, such as:
- Anxiety
- Changes in sleep and energy levels
- Decline in ability to read social cues
- Decreased executive functioning, which comprises mental skills such as memory, flexible thinking, and self-control
- Depression
- Impaired concentration
- Unstable mood, or rapid, exaggerated shifts in emotion
- Memory issues, both acute and long-term
- Personality changes, such as displaying more anger than usual
- Struggle to maintain relationships
- Unusual and impulsive behavior
In my own experience treating clients with brain trauma, I’ve encountered:
- A father who suffered irreversible brain damage from a motorcycle accident and was unable to consider any thoughts other than simple concerns such as the next snack he’d eat.
- Individuals who sustained brain damage from sports, such as water skiing and football. These clients spent months in residential treatment stabilizing their mood and rehabilitating their cognitive functioning.
- Clients who used drugs and alcoho l to cope with their TBIs and associated mood dysregulation.
- Individuals who changed their occupation because they were no longer able to perform their job duties due to decreased executive-functioning.
SUPPORT FOR BRAIN TRAUMA CONCERNS
For anyone struggling with residual mental, behavioral, and physical health after experiencing a head injury, professional support can help a person regain as much as possible of their pre-injury level of functioning. Types of help available include:
- Counseling: Trained therapists can help clients develop skills for coping with the distress of an injury, helping them leverage their strengths and work around any deficits.
- Psychiatric care: Psychiatrists can prescribe medications to assist with mood regulation, promote cognition, and diminish impulsivity. They may also integrate cognitive enhancing therapies to slow cognitive decline.
- Occupational therapy: Occupational therapists can use a variety of strategies to help a person carry out daily activities that a brain injury may be interfering with.
- Medical care: Physicians can help monitor the brain injury and promote healing while providing medical guidance.
Lastly, it’s not always possible to avoid sustaining head injuries, but there are ways to reduce one’s likelihood of experiencing a TBI, such as wearing seatbelts and helmets as well as taking measures to avoid falls and motor vehicle accidents.
INTERDISCIPLINARY HEALTH CARE AT THRIVE WELLNESS
At Thrive Wellness, we strive to treat our clients’ physical, mental, and behavioral health care concerns synergistically. Because most health care struggles have consequences that extend to many facets of health, including brain injuries, our interdisciplinary clinicians collaborate to provide specialized, comprehensive care so that individuals can ultimately achieve whole-self health — or wellness that permeates their mind, body, and spirit. Reach out to learn more.
While all Thrive Wellness locations offer interdisciplinary clinical teams who collaborate to treat eating disorders, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), and additional mental and behavioral health conditions, programs and services may vary by location.
About the Author
Thrive Wellness Waco Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Marguerite “Peggy” Addison, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Peggy is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, MSN, and is Board Certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center to treat all ages.
She received her RN from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana and her Masters in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing from The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) where she received multiple clinical excellence awards, was a member of Sigma Theta Tau Honorary Society, and was named a “University Scholar”.
Peggy has 14 years of experience as a PMH-NP treating multiple diagnoses, specializing in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, with a special interest in perinatal psychiatry and eating disorders. Prior to becoming an NP, she had 16 years of in-patient psychiatric experience as an RN working in adolescent and adult psychiatry, alcohol, and addiction units, including six and a half years as head nurse on the psychiatric intensive care unit at The Methodist Hospital in Houston.
She is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, Texas Nurses Association, Texas Nurse Practitioners of North Texas, Texas Nurse Practitioners, Postpartum Support International, International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals, and the Neuroscience Education Institute.
Peggy has been a preceptor/ graduate clinical instructor for UTA since 2009 and formerly an undergraduate clinical instructor for Texas Woman’s University from 2009-2011.
Peggy works collaboratively to diagnose and treat mental health disorders and emphasizes a comprehensive approach of healthy lifestyle changes along with therapy to reach optimal functioning.
When not working she enjoys time with family, travel, reading, needlework, and water activities.
The post How Brain Trauma Can Harm Physical, Mental, and Behavioral Health first appeared on Thrive Wellness.
This Eating Disorders Awareness Month, we’re focusing on fighting the misinformation and stereotypes surrounding eating disorders that so often create barriers to diagnosis and treatment. Myths about eating disorders can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and keep people from receiving effective and timely treatment when they need it. It’s no secret that the field of eating disorders is riddled with misinformation, leading to confusion, stigma, and shame for those struggling. In this blog post, we'll explore the common myths about eating disorders and fight them with concrete facts in the hopes of building a more informed and educated community when it comes to these serious mental health conditions. Eating Disorder Myths Versus Facts Myth: Only those who are medically underweight have an eating disorder. Fact: Someone can have an eating disorder at any weight. In fact, less than 6% of those diagnosed with an eating disorder are medically underweight. There is even a specific diagnosis for those who are not underweight showing the symptoms of anorexia called atypical anorexia. People of all sizes are at risk for serious complications from an eating disorder, not just those that are underweight. Myth: Only women have eating disorders Fact: Although often associated with teen girls, eating disorders can affect those of any gender and age. While stereotypes and stigma surrounding eating disorders may tell us that men are not commonly affected by them, research has found that nearly 25% of those who present for eating disorder treatment are male. Keeping an open mind around who can be affected by eating disorders allows for more accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment for those who need it. Myth: Eating disorders are just about food. Facts: While eating disorders always involve an unhealthy relationship with food or body image, they also are rooted in biological, psychological and sociocultural aspects. Eating disorders cannot be treated just by changing eating behaviors, but by addressing the mental aspect of the illness as well. This is why integrated treatment involving a team of social workers, primary care specialists, therapists, and in some cases occupational therapists or psychiatrists is so crucial: a holistic approach is needed to treat all aspects of an eating disorder. Myth: Eating disorders aren’t that serious. Fact: Eating disorders are extremely serious and life-threatening mental disorders that require dedicated treatment. In fact, anorexia nervosa has the second highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. By taking eating disorders and their diagnosis and treatment seriously, we can save lives. Myth: Eating disorders are a choice. Fact: Just like any other illness, eating disorders are not a choice or a phase, nor is recovery from an eating disorder just a simple decision to start eating more or less. Recovery is not dependent on willpower, but on ongoing professional treatment and long-term support. The recovery process can be lengthy and challenging, requiring patience and a supportive environment and team on your side. It is a gradual, step-by-step journey, rather than an instantaneous decision made on one person’s part. Myth: Eating disorders always involve negative body image. Fact: Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) does not have to do with body image. Those with ARFID may avoid many foods because of texture, taste, color, or smell, or feared outcomes of eating like choking or vomiting. Like any other eating disorder, ARFID is serious and requires specialized treatment like exposure-response prevention therapy. Myth: Eating disorders only affect White people. Fact: Although Black, Latina/o/x/e, Indigenous/Native, and Asian people are historically underrepresented in studies of eating disorders, large-scale studies have found that rates of eating disorders are the same or higher in all racial and ethnic groups as compared to white individuals (NEDA). Removing racial stereotypes around eating disorders can help to remove barriers that BIPOC individuals commonly face when seeking treatment. Dispelling the Myths: A Path Towards Understanding By addressing and dispelling these myths, we can create a safe space that promotes understanding and empathy. Eating disorders are not choices or phases, but debilitating mental health issues that can affect anyone. Recognizing the seriousness of these disorders is so important in reducing stigma and ensuring that those who are struggling receive the care and support they require. This month and every month, we encourage you to fight misinformation and stick up for those experiencing eating disorders, because knowledge and education can be one of the greatest assets to recovery for those who need it. If you or someone you know is in need of eating disorder support, don’t be afraid to reach out , our team of healthcare professionals are here for you. To learn more about eating disorders and the journey to recovery, download our free eating disorders guide .
Did you know that February is Eating Disorder Awareness month? Here at Thrive, we're passionate about educating our community and providing tools for eating disorder recognition while offering the specialized support and treatment that those with eating disorders deserve. Join us this month in the conversation around eating disorders and putting an end to harmful stereotypes and misinformation. Let's cover six reasons why building awareness around eating disorders is so crucial. 6 reasons why eating disorder awareness is important 1. Eating disorders are serious. Despite often being termed as a "choice" or a "phase," eating disorders are an incredibly serious psychological condition that require specialized treatment and support. Anorexia Nervosa has the second highest mortality rate of any psychiatric diagnosis in the United States, and every 52 minutes, 1 person dies as a direct consequence of an eating disorder (NEDA) . By spreading awareness and providing early intervention in eating disorder treatment, we can not only change lives, but save them. 2. Eating disorders are more common than you think. 9% of the US population will have an eating disorder at some point in their lives and 22% of children and adolescents worldwide show symptoms of disordered eating (NEDA). Since eating disorders can be challenging to detect, many go undiagnosed. Raising awareness for eating disorders and educating our community partners about their symptoms can allow us to catch eating disorders as early as possible and bring these statistics down. 3. Fight harmful eating disorder stereotypes. A common stereotype in association with eating disorders is that of the "thin, white, affluent female," however, anyone is at risk of an eating disorder despite their appearance or background. Stereotypes associated with eating disorders around weight, gender, age and race can create serious barriers to seeking care and major disparities in treatment. People experiencing an eating disorder can face challenges in seeking and receiving treatment or may feel unworthy of recovery when they don’t fit a stereotype, preventing them from gaining needed support and treatment. Promoting diversity and representation through awareness and education can help to break down the harmful stereotypes that have historically surrounded eating disorders. 4. Eating disorder recovery is not a one person job. Family and loved ones’ involvement in eating disorder treatment is crucial for recovery. Family-based therapy (FBT) has proven to be effective in 50% of patients being treated for anorexia nervosa, and is effective in the treatment of other eating disorders as well. A strong support system and steadfast relationships through the struggles associated with eating disorders can lead to more effective and long-lasting recovery. With more awareness and education, people will be better equipped to provide assistance to their loved ones in recovery. 5. You’re not alone. Eating disorders can be an isolating and painful disorder, making those experiencing it feel like they’re the only ones, or that no one understands what they’re going through. Building an informed community through awareness and education can be the first step towards diagnosis and treatment for those who need it. 6. Recovery is Real. Those with eating disorders are capable of long-term recovery through appropriate treatment. Research has found that the earlier intervention takes place in the treatment of eating disorders, the better the odds of long-term recovery are. Awareness and education around eating disorders helps the people that need support find it sooner, resulting in a repaired relationship with food and the body and a fuller life. How can I get involved in eating disorder awareness efforts? To get involved in eating disorder awareness efforts, start by educating yourself about the complexities and different types of eating disorders. By gaining a deeper understanding, you can become a more effective advocate. You can also consider participating in local or national events such as walks, trainings, or online webinars that aim to raise awareness, provide support to those affected, and offer education around eating disorders and their diagnosis. Another simple step for building awareness can be using your social media platform to share factual information, personal stories, or relevant resources that can help demystify eating disorders and reduce stigma. Additionally, supporting legislative efforts that promote mental health education and funding for eating disorder research can help in creating systemic change. By taking these steps, you can contribute to this important movement and work alongside us to foster acceptance, encourage early intervention, and ultimately save lives. Eating Disorder Treatment and Support Thrive offers a free eating disorder guide with more information about eating disorder symptoms and recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with eating or body image, don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals for support. At Thrive Wellness, we offer a number of treatment options for all ages and genders, including a partial hospitalization program, an intensive outpatient program, outpatient therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition services, and more. Don’t wait to get started on treatment, contact us for a free eating disorder assessment today.
You’ve probably heard of “Dry January” or are even participating yourself. More and more people seem to be experimenting with or embracing sobriety from alcohol, but what benefits are there from abstaining? In this article, we’ll explore alcohol’s effects on mental health, the symptoms of alcohol use disorder (AUD), and the benefits of cutting back on drinking. Alcohol's Effects on Mental Health Commonly consumed as a way to relax after a long day or to lighten up in social interactions, alcohol is a widely used and culturally accepted drug despite warnings of its dangers by health experts . When a person regularly drinks, it can result in a slew of complications for their physical and mental health. Although often consumed in an attempt to escape stress, sadness, or other unpleasant emotions, alcohol itself is a depressant that can contribute to negative feelings and exacerbate existing mental health conditions, especially with prolonged use. Alcohol influences thoughts, mood, and behaviors by impacting the central nervous system in a way that slows the communication between the brain and the body. Without the ability to process information effectively, the brain isn't able to regulate emotions and consider consequences effectively which may promote unhealthy behaviors, including drinking to excess. Ways that alcohol can affect cognitive functioning include: Lowering inhibitions Contributing to poor judgment Causing confusion Causing lapses in memory Disrupting sleep Contributing to shifts in mood Alcohol and Mental Disorders According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, 37% of people with alcohol use disorders also have at least one serious mental illness. Furthermore, alcohol abuse commonly occurs alongside depression and anxiety . Research has shown that those with major depressive disorder and those with generalized anxiety disorder were more likely to report life‐time moderate to severe alcohol use disorder than those without these conditions. Frequently, individuals struggling with depression or anxiety self-medicate by drinking alcohol. Although alcohol may provide temporary relief, it expends the chemicals in the brain which help ward off anxiety and depression. When the initial effects of the drug fade, individuals are typically left feeling more depressed or anxious than they did before they began drinking. Related: Eating Disorders, Substance Abuse, and Substance Abuse Disorders Alcohol Use and Depression The slowed functioning of the brain caused by alcohol can allow individuals to numb to their suffering. As such, those experiencing depression may be inclined to drink to avoid the sadness, pain, and hopelessness associated with depression. This maladaptive coping behavior is so prevalent that research shows a clear relationship between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and major depression. Using alcohol while depressed can be extremely dangerous. Not only can alcohol negatively interact with antidepressants, but it can also place individuals experiencing depression at an increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior . If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors , you can reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Alcohol Use and Anxiety According to a study on anxiety and AUD , a person with an anxiety disorder is two to three times more likely to develop an alcohol abuse disorder. When individuals with anxiety drink alcohol, they may feel an initial alleviation of their symptoms as well as a sense of euphoria. However, the symptoms of hangovers and alcohol withdrawal following heavy drinking can heighten feelings of anxiousness and interfere with ones daily obligations, contributing to even more agitation. This feeling of dread and anxiety associated with a hangover is commonly referred to as " hangxiety ," but for those with existing anxiety conditions, this side effect of drinking can feel unbearable. Individuals with anxiety may be driven to drink more to tamper their stress and re-establish the sense of euphoria, resulting in a dangerous cycle of alcohol abuse. Unhealthy Drinking Behaviors and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) Most who regularly drink alcohol don't have AUD, which develops when addiction is present. However, alcohol-related side-effects on mental health are still common, and they may still benefit from mental health support . Signs of unhealthy alcohol use include: Feeling a need to consume alcohol to make it through the day Feeling unable to stop consuming alcohol Progressively feeling a need to increase consumption of alcohol Drinking to prevent or alleviate symptoms of hangover or withdrawal Feeling ashamed of ones alcohol consumption Having loved ones express concern over drinking habits AUD is a condition that is often driven by genetics, abuse, trauma, or unhealthy family dynamics. Healing from AUD is possible and it can be treated with the help of mental health professionals and a dedicated treatment plan. Signs of AUD include: Alcohol use that interferes with the ability to carry out daily activities Drinking despite the behaviors adverse effects on their life Often drinking more or for a longer period of time than intended Persistent desire and unsuccessful attempts to curb alcohol use Revolving their schedule around drinking Experiencing strong cravings for alcohol Continuing to drink despite experiencing recurring illness or social issues as a result of alcohol use Giving up activities one used to enjoy in favor of drinking Using alcohol during situations where its physically hazardous to be impaired Continuing to use alcohol despite knowing that it exacerbates a known existing health condition Developing a tolerance for alcohol, or needing more alcohol to feel the same effects Experiencing alcohol withdrawal or drinking more to avoid withdrawal What are the Mental Health Benefits of Going Sober or Drinking Less Alcohol? Reducing or eliminating your alcohol consumption can lead to a variety of mental health benefits, improving your overall quality of life. When going sober or cutting back on your alcohol consumption, some of the benefits you can look forward to are: Improved mood stability, including reduced feelings of depression and anxiety Improved sleep quality Enhanced cognitive function Increased energy levels Improved concentration and productivity Increased self-esteem More authentic social interactions Improved relationships Limiting your alcohol consumption has the capability to change your life for the better, as it can help you establish a healthier mental environment, build better connections, and improve your physical health. Support for Alcohol Abuse and its Mental Health Impacts As humans, it can be uncomfortable for us to process difficult experiences and feel intense emotions. Therapy can help heal the source of your struggles driving alcohol abuse, while also guiding you in implementing healthy strategies for processing painful emotions. Through professional mental health support, you can be empowered to embrace life without having to rely on alcohol. Thrive offers outpatient therapy for substance abuse struggles in addition to other mental and behavioral health conditions. Reach out to learn more. Additional Resources SAMHSAs National Helpline : A free, confidential, and 24/7 service for individuals and families facing mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders, reachable by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or texting 435748 (HELP4U). National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholisms (NIAAA) Treatment for Alcohol Problems : A guide for individuals and their loved ones who are looking for options to address struggles with alcohol use.
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